Types of Wedding Gown Silhouette

You’ve looked at several photos of models dressed in beautiful wedding gowns and you are probably wondering which one will look regally on you.  The first step to identifying which wedding gown is for you  is to know the terms the wedding fashion world uses.  It is not that difficult.  Even though there are several variations on gown silhouettes, there are only five basic ones. (Click on image to enlarge)

A-line from Maggie Sottero

A-line. This is the most popular silhouette. It is universally flattering and come with many shapes from subtle, modified A-line to full circle silhouette. The top of the dress gracefully hug the natural curves of your upper body and then it flares out into an “A” shape as it falls. It can be designed to be worn at a backyard pot-luck celebration or at the most formal ballroom reception.

Sheath from Mori Lee

Sheath. This silhouette is favored by brides who do not what bulky wedding gowns and have the body type for it. It either contours the body from top to bottom, closely following the line of the body (called constructed sheaths) or falls nearly straight down from the shoulders to hem (called soft sheaths), like a Grecian column. It adds height to a petite bride and is quite flattering for a tall bride with a thin frame.

Ball-Gown by Amalia Carrara

Ball-gown. The ball gown silhouette is similar to the A-Line; only it has a much fuller skirt that flows to the floor.  There are “flat-front ball gowns,” which have skirts that are smooth and seamless in front and fully pleated in the back or a dropped-waist ball gown, where the bodice is fitted through the hips.  This gown is good for tall brides with narrow hips.  Petite brides should avoid this silhouette because they may look like they are lost in it.

Trumpet by Moncheri

Trumpet or Mermaid. These are form-fitting silhouettes that flare to the floor usually from the knee (mermaid silhouette) or mid-thigh (trumpet silhouette). They are perfect for brides who have hour-glass body type and tall brides. Not recommended for petite brides, those with pear-shaped body or plus-sized

Empire by Maggie Sottero

Empire. The Empire silhouette has a high waist look, often with a seam under the bust line and typically a slimmer skirt. This style is good for petite brides because the gentle blending of the waist into a flared skirt often provides a long and lean silhouette.

How to Chose Your Bridal Gown
Types of Wedding Gown Necklines
Know Your Body Type
Bridal Fabric Primer